Colorado.com - Franktownhttp://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/franktown
This area has a rich history, one that is well preserved at the historical museum just outside town.
The museum is located in an old one-room schoolhouse. Exhibits contain archeological remains, farm tools, mining remnants and more. In the 1800s Grange halls dotted many Western towns. While a number of halls have fallen into disrepair, this 19th-century political movement continues helping rural areas to this day. The local Grange is one of Franktown's most famous relics, lying just north of downtown. A historical marker at this 1905 structure explains this unique political and social farm club.
Franktown is a favorite stop for bikers of both the motorized and the fat-tire variety. The area also features Castlewood Canyon State Park. Carved out of the Black Forest, the park's landscape features sheer canyon walls, rolling trails and the remains of the century-old Castlewood Canyon Dam. Around the ruins lie miles of scenic hiking trails, numerous technical rock-climbing routes and excellent bird-watching areas.
en5 Top Places to Rock Climb in Coloradohttp://www.colorado.com/articles/5-top-places-rock-climb-colorado
<h2><a href="http://www.colorado.com/node/3456">1. Garden of the Gods </a></h2>
<p>Garden of the Gods is a local favorite and for good reason — it's close to <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Colorado-Springs">Colorado Springs</a>, the state’s second largest city. It's also amazing to look at, with paved hiking trails that meander through a natural rock garden of sunset-colored red sandstone. While there are multiple routes to conquer, not all of the rocks in the park are designated for climbing. Be sure to check in with the visitor center before venturing into the park. The rangers there will give you a quick course on important climbing etiquette.<a href="http://www.colorado.com/node/6666"> </a></p>
<h2 style="line-height: 20.0063056945801px;"><a href="http://www.colorado.com/node/6666">2. Rocky Mountain National Park</a></h2>
<p>Choose your passion. In Rocky Mountain National Park, you can rock climb, ice climb or boulder. With more than 265,000 acres of space dedicated to the granite heights of the Rockies, this national park is a climber’s mecca between <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Estes-Park">Estes Park</a> and <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Grand-Lake">Grand Lake</a>. If you’re a novice, you’ll find guided tours available to help ensure you have the right equipment and routes to match your ability. If you’re an expert, there are no limits to the heights at which you’ll find yourself. If you’re up for a challenge, set up a bivouac and take a few days to climb some of the dizzyingly high faces. Bivouacs do require a park permit, so check in with the park headquarters before setting up camp.</p>
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<img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cdn.colorado.com/sites/default/master/files/authors/icons/staff-icon.jpg" width="25" height="25" alt="" /> <span class="author-precedent">By</span> <span class="author" rel="author">Colorado.com Staff Writer</span>
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<p class="updated icon-clock">Updated: 12/31/1969</p>
<div class="sharethis-wrapper"><span st_url="http://www.colorado.com/taxonomy/term/112/feed" st_title="Franktown" class="st_sharethis"></span>
<script type='text/javascript'>var switchTo5x = true;</script><script type='text/javascript' src='http://w.sharethis.com/button/buttons.js'></script><script type='text/javascript'>stLight.options({"publisher":"dr-e9f1e6e-c2b7-5cf8-5c9e-97b1ffcd545c"});</script></div><div class="field field-name-field-article-photos field-type-image field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><div id="field-article-photos"><div><figure><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cdn.colorado.com/sites/default/master/files/styles/16-9-med-320-180/public/climberclose.jpg?itok=MmFVbmMU" alt="" /><figcaption><div class="field field-name-field-image-title field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">Rock climbing in Colorado&#039;s San Juan Mountains</div></div></div></figcaption></figure></div></div></div></div></div> <h3 class="field-label">
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<a href="/co/colorado-state-parks" typeof="skos:Concept" property="rdfs:label skos:prefLabel" datatype="">Colorado State Parks &amp; National Parks</a> </div>
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<h2><a href="http://www.colorado.com/articles/national-park-profile-black-canyon-gunnison-national-park">3. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park</a></h2>
<p>In one of Colorado's deepest, darkest canyons, cliff walls dramatically rise to 2,722 feet above the rushing Gunnison River near <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Montrose">Montrose</a>. Black Canyon of the Gunnison is not a place for beginning climbers, but if you’re looking to raise your credentials, this is the place — climbs here are adrenaline-coursing acts of self-reliance. There are more than 140 documented routes, and yet many believe there are more that still await a first ascent. Beginning your climb from the canyon floor places you in a wilderness area, so be sure to practice environmentally conscious climbing and follow all established rules. Checking in with the ranger station first is a must and only takes a few minutes.</p>
<h2><a href="http://www.rifleco.org/index.aspx?NID=91" target="_blank">4. Rifle Mountain Park</a></h2>
<p>For some of the best limestone sport climbing in the state, this mountain park in <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Rifle">Rifle</a> is a must. The secret is out about this park, and it has become another popular local favorite. Here, you can chalk-up with hardcore Coloradans as they take to their favorite routes. Overhangs are the norm, and some jut out in exaggerated fashion, daring climbers to challenge their heights. If crowds aren’t your thing, don't worry: a wealth of routes and wall options makes it easy to find a spot to call your own. For multiple-day outings, Rifle Mountain Park offers 25 drive-in camping spots.</p>
<h2><a href="http://www.colorado.com/hikingwalking/castlewood-canyon-state-park">5. Castlewood Canyon State Park</a></h2>
<p>The west rim of Castlewood Canyon State Park in <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Franktown">Franktown</a>, is the perfect place for beginners to hone their skills and gain confidence. This state park offers climbs of 20 to 60 feet, some with top rope lines or crack climbing. The paved, half-mile Climbers Trail leads visitors to the best routes in the park. Since this is a day-use only park, camping isn’t allowed. But the routes are short and quick enough that you can get a few in well before sunset. If you do want to spend a few days climbing in the area, the city of <a href="http://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/Castle-Rock">Castle Rock</a> is only 10 miles away and offers multiple lodging options. </p>
<p><span>Never been rock climbing? Read Learn to <a href="http://www.colorado.com/learn-rock-climb-colorado">Rock Climb in Colorado</a> for information on outfitters and rock-climbing lessons.</span></p>
Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:31:18 +0000HBrown45385 at http://www.colorado.com